Citation

Zou R, Grzebieta RH, Richardson S. Int. J. Crashworthiness 2004; 9(5): 505-514.

Affiliation

Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University; DV Experts Pty Ltd

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1533/ijcr.2004.0306

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a MADYMO computer model that simulates a Leopard tank with an instructor module attached, striking either a tree branch or involved in a tank rollover. The instructor module is used to protect Leopard tank commanders against injury. The module is attached to the tank turret and the instructor is seated inside observing and training the tank driver. The module consists of a rollover protection structure, a seat and a four-point harness. The simulation was carried out to estimate and analyse the impact loads imparted to the module and thus provide guidance for the design and manufacture of the instructor module.

The novel aspect of the analysis presented here is that the module is designed to tear away if attachment loads exceed a certain limit and the module then becomes a protective cocoon. The objective of the simulation was to determine if deformation to the module would reduce the instructor's survival space.